Music has been an essential part of human culture since ancient times. It has the power to influence our mood, emotions, and behavior. For this reason, music therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for mental health. The use of music as a therapeutic intervention dates back to ancient times, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the first formal music therapy programs were established. Let’s explore the history of music therapy, its benefits in mental health treatment, and some peer-reviewed studies that support its effectiveness in treating specific medical conditions.
History of music therapy
The development of music therapy as a formal discipline began in the 19th century, with the establishment of asylums in England. The use of music as a therapeutic intervention was initially implemented to improve the behavior of patients with mental illness. Dr. William Tuke, a Quaker philanthropist, is credited with introducing the idea of music as a therapeutic tool in the treatment of mental illness. He established the York Retreat, an asylum in England, where music was used as a form of therapy. Patients were provided with musical instruments and were encouraged to participate in music-making activities.
During the 20th century, music therapy became more widely recognized as a formal discipline. The first music therapy association, the National Association for Music Therapy, was established in the United States in 1950. Today, music therapy is practiced worldwide and is recognized as an effective treatment for a range of mental health conditions.
Benefits of music therapy
Music therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits in the treatment of mental health conditions. It can be used to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. Music therapy can also be used to promote physical rehabilitation and improve communication and social skills.
Studies have shown that music therapy is effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. In a randomized controlled trial, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that music therapy improved cognitive function, reduced behavioral symptoms, and improved quality of life in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Another study, published in the Journal of Music Therapy, found that music therapy improved the social functioning of patients with schizophrenia.
Music therapy has also been found to be effective in reducing anxiety and stress in patients undergoing medical procedures. A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing found that music therapy reduced anxiety levels in children undergoing bone marrow transplants.
Music has a profound effect on the brain. Listening to music engages several areas of the brain, including the auditory cortex, the motor cortex, and the limbic system. Research has shown that music can affect our mood, emotions, and behavior. Here are some ways that music affects the brain:
Enhances Dopamine Release: When we listen to music that we enjoy, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward. This is why we often feel good when we listen to our favorite songs.
Affects Emotional State: Music can also affect our emotional state. Studies have shown that listening to sad music can evoke feelings of sadness or melancholy, while listening to happy music can evoke feelings of joy or excitement.
Changes Brainwaves: Music can also change our brainwaves. For example, listening to slow, calming music can lower our brainwaves and promote relaxation, while listening to upbeat music can increase our brainwaves and promote alertness.
Improves Memory and Learning: Music can also improve memory and learning. Research has shown that listening to music while studying or learning can help to improve recall and retention of information.
Enhances Motor Function: Listening to music can also enhance motor function. Studies have shown that listening to music can increase our coordination, timing, and rhythm.
Overall, music has a powerful effect on the brain. It can affect our mood, emotions, and behavior, and has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health and cognitive function.
Implementation of music therapy in mental health
Music therapy can be implemented in a variety of ways, depending on the needs of the patient. It can be delivered in a one-on-one session or in a group setting. The music therapist may use a variety of techniques, such as improvisation, songwriting, and listening to music, to engage the patient in the therapeutic process.
In a one-on-one session, the music therapist works with the patient to develop personalized treatment goals. The therapist may use music to help the patient express their emotions, explore their thoughts and feelings, and develop coping strategies. In a group setting, music therapy can be used to improve social interaction and communication skills. Patients may be encouraged to play instruments together, sing, or participate in group improvisation.
Which types of music are best for music therapy?
The type of music used in music therapy can vary depending on the needs of the patient. The therapist may select music based on the patient’s preferences, cultural background, or therapeutic goals. Some types of music commonly used in music therapy include:
Classical Music: Classical music has been found to have a calming effect and can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Folk Music: Folk music can be used to promote social interaction and communication skills. It can also be used to connect patients to their cultural heritage.
Rock Music: Rock music can be used to help patients express their emotions and explore their thoughts and feelings. It can also be used to promote physical activity and movement.
World Music: World music can be used to connect patients to different cultures and promote cultural awareness.
New Age Music: New Age music can be used to promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Final thoughts
Music therapy is a promising treatment for mental health conditions. It has a long history and has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive function. Mental health experts implement music therapy in a variety of ways, and the type of music used can vary depending on the needs of the patient. As research in this field continues, we may see even more recognition of the benefits of music therapy in mental health treatment.
REFERENCES:
Guétin, S., Portet, F., Picot, M. C., Pommié, C., Messaoudi, M., Djabelkir, L., … & Touchon, J. (2009). Effect of music therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with Alzheimer’s type dementia: randomised, controlled study. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 17(1), 45-52.
Gómez-Romero, M., Jiménez-Palomares, M., Rodríguez-Mansilla, J., Flores-Nieto, A., Garrido-Ardila, E. M., & González-López-Arza, M. V. (2019). Effectiveness of music therapy for people with schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Music Therapy, 56(4), 323-345.
Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(3), 170-180.
Nilsson, U. (2008). The anxiety- and pain-reducing effects of music interventions: a systematic review. AORN Journal, 87(4), 780-807.
Thoma, M. V., La Marca, R., Brönnimann, R., Finkel, L., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). The effect of music on the human stress response. PLoS One, 8(8), e70156.